Bakewell playground closed after complaint about noisy children

A children’s play area has had its opening hours cut after one person complained about the sound of youngsters playing.
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The wet play area at Bakewell Recreation Ground was open seven days a week before Derbyshire Dales District Council slashed its opening times to just four afternoons a week following the complaint.

Disappointed families turning up at the park to have fun in the sun this week have described the measure as ‘unbelievable’ and ‘upsetting’.

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Under the restricted hours the wet play area, which features splash pads, will be open from noon to 5pm on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays and every afternoon during the school summer holidays.

A spokesman for Derbyshire Dales District Council said: “The council freely acknowledges it is in a no–win situation here.

“Some time ago, a local resident complained to us about what he claimed was an increase in noise from the play area since the replacement of an old paddling pool in 2010 by new splash pads.

“Our officers carried out tests which showed the noise generated from the play area has the potential to represent a statutory nuisance. It’s not only the noise generated by screaming children, but also the pump that works the splash pads.

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“The complainant’s view is the play equipment should be re–sited or closed. However, as the cost of such a move would be significant and its closure unacceptable, we’re trialling a restricted hours operation.

“We are attempting to strike a balance between two sets of views. All feedback will be reported to councillors for further consideration at a meeting early in July.”